Legislature(2021 - 2022)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/03/2022 01:30 PM Senate TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB203 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 203 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 212 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
SB 203-PURPLE HEART TRAIL
1:36:13 PM
CHAIR MYERS announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 203
"An Act designating portions of the Parks, Glenn, Seward, and
Sterling Highways as a part of the State's Purple Heart Trail
and relating to signage and informational displays for the
trail."
1:36:34 PM
SENATOR JOSH REVAK, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska,
sponsor of SB 203, paraphrased the sponsor statement.
[Original punctuation provided.]
The Purple Heart medal is a United States military
decoration awarded in the name of the President to
those who have been wounded or killed in service to
their country. Since 2008, the Alaska and Richardson
Highways from the Alaska-Canada Border to Fairbanks
have been designated the Purple Heart Trail in honor
and recognition of the sacrifices of these service men
and women. SB 203 seeks to complete what was begun in
2008 by extending the Purple Heart Trail so that it
will run continuously from the Alaska-Canada Border to
the End of the Road in Homer.
The Purple Heart Trail is a national project to
designate portions of the interstate highway system as
"The Purple Heart Trail System," reminding Americans
of the sacrifices made by their country-men and women
in uniform. The original Purple Heart Trail was
established in 1992 in the Commonwealth of Virginia at
Mr. Vernon and runs the length of the Virginia
Highway. Today, Purple Heart Trails extend across the
nation, including from the Alaska-Canada Border to
Fairbanks.
Signage drawing attention to the designation is placed
at appropriate intervals along the highways to
stimulate thought and discussion among adults and
children alike about the history of our nation and
those who have made significant sacrifices for it.
Alaska's has a strong military tradition; we have an
estimated 65,000 resident veterans, approximately
21,000 active-duty military, and more residents who
serve in the National Guard. Throughout our history,
many returning Alaskan soldiers have been honored with
the Purple Heart Medal and the Purple Heart Trail
designation serves as a reminder to each of them that
Alaska is grateful for their service.
Senate Bill 203 will extend the Purple Heart Trail
highway designation by ~662 miles from Fairbanks to
the End of the Road in Homer. Doing so will complete a
continuous 900 mile stretch of Purple Heart Trail from
the Alaska-Canada Border to the End of the Road and
connect the Purple Heart Cities of North Pole,
Fairbanks, Wasilla, Soldotna, and Homer. SB 203 and
the extension of the Purple Heart Trail in Alaska
serve as a tangible demonstration of Alaska's
appreciation for the sacrifices made by our wounded
and fallen soldiers and a reminder to visitors and
residents alike of those who have paid the price for
our freedom.
1:36:55 PM
SENATOR REVAK summarized that SB 203 would extend the Purple
Heart Trail from Fairbanks to Homer, which will run continuously
from the Alaska-Canada border to Homer. It will connect five
Purple Heart cities in Alaska, including North Pole, Fairbanks,
Wasilla, Soldotna, and Homer. He highlighted that Alaska has a
robust military presence with the highest per capita in the
nation. This bill reflects the service and sacrifices made by
those who were awarded the Purple Heart. The Purple Heart is the
oldest military decoration. General George Washington awarded
the Purple Heart to soldiers as the first US military
decoration. He highlighted that signage would be posted at
intervals to stimulate thought and discussion among adults and
children about our nation's history and those who have made
significant sacrifices for it.
1:38:52 PM
EMMA TORKELSON, Staff, Senator Josh Revak, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, paraphrased the sectional analysis
for SB 203.
1:39:01 PM
Section 1. Amends AS 35.40.210(a) to extend the Purple
Heart Trail designation to include the ~590 miles of
highway from Fairbanks to the End of the Road in
Homer. With this extension, the Purple Heart Trail
will, in its entirety, be made up of:
• the Alaska Highway from the Alaska-Canada Border
to Delta Junction - existing
• the Richardson Highway between Delta Junction and
Fairbanks - existing
• the George Parks Highway between Fairbanks and
Wasilla - new
• the Glenn Highway between Wasilla and Anchorage -
new
• the Seward Highway between Anchorage and the
Seward-Sterling highway junction - new
• the Sterling Highway to its termination at the
• end of the Homer Spit - new
1:39:17 PM
Section 2. Amends AS 35.40.210(b) to require the
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
erect appropriate "Purple Heart Trail" signage at the
Veterans Memorial at Byers Lake, Wasilla, Anchorage,
the junction of the Seward and Sterling highways,
Soldotna, and Homer.
Removes the existing language requiring signage be
placed at points "halfway between" these locations and
replaces it with language that allows the department
to determine the most appropriate locations for
additional signage.
Section 3. Amends AS 35.40.210(c) to increase to six
the number of required informational displays at pull-
outs along the Purple Heart Trail. The Border to
Fairbanks trail has three displays, so this will
require that at least three displays be erected on the
new portion of the Purple Heart Trail between
Fairbanks and Homer.
1:40:09 PM
Section 4. Amends the uncodified law of the State of
Alaska to ensure that DOTP&F has the authority to
accept gifts, donations, and grants from a person or
agency for the purpose of providing signage and
informational displays required by AS 35.40.210(b) and
(c).
Section 5. Amends the uncodified law of the State of
Alaska to clarify that DOTP&F has the flexibility to
erect the signs and informational displays as funds
are available, without waiting to receive all the
funds needed to complete the entire project required
by AS 35.40.210(b) and (c).
MS. TORKELSON stated the intent was to allow the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF) to work with the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other departments to
accomplish signage, using the appropriate pullouts and other
locations along the highway.
1:41:48 PM
JOHN KNOTT, Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart,
Alaska Chapter, Fairbanks, Alaska, provided invited testimony in
support of SB 203. As a recipient of the Purple Heart, he said
he could not think of a more fitting tribute to honor recipients
than this trail. He commented that the Purple Heart symbol tends
to renew patriotism for people. He stated that the signage at
Delta Junction sparks emotions for veterans. He said combat
veterans feel supported when they see these signs. He remarked
that many highway signs along roads are riddled with holes, but
people do not shoot at the Purple Heart signs. He surmised that
people understand the significance of the sacrifices these
honored war veterans made.
1:43:47 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked about the funding mechanism and timeline
for the signage. He further asked whether state funds would be
used if donations did not materialize.
SENATOR REVAK responded that many people in communities are
interested in donating funds for signage. He noted that the
agency has been supportive of the Purple Heart Trail. He stated
the intent was to find creative ways to fund the necessary
signage.
1:45:52 PM
MS. TORKELSON indicated the goal was to get the mandated number
of signs erected after SB 230 passes, but to allow some time to
collect donations.
1:46:33 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked Mr. Mills to respond.
1:47:01 PM
ANDY MILLS, Special Assistant to the Commissioner, Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF), explained that the
bill would provide added flexibility for the department to
receive donations or federal grants. He stated that it takes
four to six weeks to produce signs, but supply chain issues may
cause delays. He anticipated that the department would work with
the sponsor's office to evaluate donations and produce the
signage during the summer or fall. He related that the
department interprets the bill, such that the department would
issue a fiscal note that reflects the total signage cost, and it
offsets the signage costs with any donations. He said any
remaining funds would lapse back to the state.
1:48:43 PM
SENATOR SHOWER asked if anyone was actively searching for
donations to accomplish the necessary signage.
SENATOR REVAK answered that he deferred to the organizations to
seek donations. He also anticipated that federal grant funding
would likely be forthcoming. However, he said he was not
personally soliciting donations.
1:49:52 PM
MS. TORKELSON related her understanding that the Military Order
of the Purple Heart, Alaska Chapter, was potentially interested
in leading that effort. She stated the goal was to funnel
donations through a single organization and any federal grant
funding would come directly from the federal government.
1:50:52 PM
SENATOR KIEHL thanked Mr. Knott for his active involvement when
Skagway became a Purple Heart City two years ago.
1:51:38 PM
CHAIR MYERS asked how the Purple Heart Trail route was selected.
He acknowledged that the Fairbanks to the Alaska-Canada border
made sense, given the connection to WWII. He recalled the Glenn
Highway was built about the same time, but he could not think of
any particular connection the selected routes had to the
military from the routes.
SENATOR REVAK responded that a group of Purple Heart recipients
in Alaska requested the bill, primarily led by the Military
Order of the Purple Heart. He related that the Purple Heart
Trails were being designated nationwide. He deferred to the
organization to provide more details as it works to get
additional cities designated as Purple Heart cities.
1:53:18 PM
MR. KNOTT explained that the organization wanted to start with
this route since many Purple Heart recipients live along the
designated highways or in nearby communities. He related that
the organization has chapters in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and
Kenai. He suggested that the Purple Heart Trail could later
connect the Glenn Highway to the Alaska-Canada Highway.
SENATOR KIEHL remarked that doing so would create 1,000 miles of
honor instead of 650 miles.
1:54:16 PM
CHAIR MYERS opened public testimony on SB 203.
1:54:37 PM.
BENNO HARRY CLEVELAND, Past Commander of the Military Order of
the Purple Heart, Alaska Chapter, Fairbanks, Alaska, stated that
he currently serves as the Alaska Native Veterans Association
president and the Alaska Native Veterans Council president. He
explained that he spent his 19th and 20th birthdays in hospitals
in Vietnam. He said it would be a great honor to dedicate the
Purple Heart Trail in Alaska by placing plaques and highway
signs along the trail. Alaska hosts tourists from throughout the
world. Further, Alaska residents travel on these highways. He
envisioned that children, parents, and grandparents could ask
questions and discuss the physical, emotional, and spiritual
sacrifices that veterans awarded the Purple Heart made. He
related that the signs would also signify the state's support
for its veterans, particularly those who gave their lives to
defend this great nation so Americans can enjoy freedom.
1:56:47 PM
CHAIR MYERS closed public testimony on SB 203.
1:57:07 PM
SENATOR SHOWER moved to report SB 203, work order 32-LS1553\B,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
CHAIR MYERS heard no objection, and SB 203 was reported from the
Senate Transportation Standing Committee.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 203 Sponsor Statement 2.27.22.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2022 1:00:00 PM STRA 3/3/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Sectional Analysis 2.27.22.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2022 1:00:00 PM STRA 3/3/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Fiscal Note.pdf |
STRA 3/3/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Support Doc MOPH Article 2.27.22.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2022 1:00:00 PM STRA 3/3/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Support Doc Purple Heart Trail as extended 2.27.22.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2022 1:00:00 PM STRA 3/3/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Support Letter City of Fairbanks 11.05.19.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2022 1:00:00 PM STRA 3/3/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Support Letter City of Wasilla, Mayor Cottle 9.18.19.pdf |
STRA 3/3/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Support Letter Kenai Penn. Borough Mayor PH 10.22.19.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2022 1:00:00 PM STRA 3/3/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Support Letter PH Highway 10.18.19.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2022 1:00:00 PM STRA 3/3/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Support Letter Soldotna PH Hw 11.19.19.pdf |
SFIN 3/21/2022 1:00:00 PM STRA 3/3/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |
| SB 203 Support Letter Trapper Creek CC Board 10.17.19.pdf |
STRA 3/3/2022 1:30:00 PM |
SB 203 |